LASR.net Homepage




Menu


Lenexa, Kansas

Lenexa, Kansas

The Shawnee Indian tribe called this area home from roughly 1825-1860, before moving on to Oklahoma. Kansas historical records list the origin of the name Lenexa as \"Len-Ag-See,\" the princess daughter of Shawnee Indian tribal leader, Chief Blackhoof.

The Shawnees were a peaceful tribe who were neighborly with white traders and map makers traveling the area in the 1820s. Over the years, they were also in frequent contact with immigrants headed west on the Santa Fe and Oregon Trails.

During this time, many cowboys came through the area - including one do-gooder named Bill Hickock, who started his law career here at the age of 22.

With the railroad\'s arrival in the late 1800s, Lenexa developed along the remnants of the Santa Fe and Oregon Trails. Many of the original buildings still stand today in the \"Old Town\" area of Lenexa, a popular stop for visitors.

The railroad also helped usher in Lenexa\'s reign as the \"Spinach Capital of the World\" in the 1930s and \'40s. Belgian immigrants worked long and hard on area farms to produce prodigious amounts of Popeye\'s favorite veggie.

Lenexa was a small 800-member community as recently as 1950. By 1970, that number had grown to 5,240. Then, almost overnight, as Kansas City grew westward to meet this rural town, the population soared.

Fortune 500 companies began to discover the ample land and convenient access. Young families and single professionals discovered the community\'s charms, affordable housing and outstanding quality of life. \"Retail followed rooftops\" and Lenexa became home to new shopping, dining and entertainment areas.

Today, more than 40,000 people call Lenexa home. They are attracted here by the nationally recognized schools that educate their children. They are also drawn by the city\'s historically low crime rates. And they stay here because of the abundance of high-paying jobs.

Attractions and Upcoming Events

Old Town Lenexa

This is the site of the old town, as it appears today, where the Santa Fe Trail passed through Lenexa. The buildings still stand as a reminder of the beginning, the coming of the railroad, and the establishment of commerce that has brought prosperity to the descendants of these pioneers.

Lenexa, KS Historic Downtowns

Legler Barn Museum Complex

The LEGLER BARN MUSEUM houses the history of the city of Lenexa and the area. Built in 1864 by the early Lenexa resident Adam Legler, the Legler barn is one of the few stone barns still in existence in Kansas. It was originally situated on the Santa Fe Trail at the corner of 95

Lenexa, KS Museums

Historic Lackman-Thompson Estate

The promise of opportunity and freedom brought many brave individuals to American shores in the late 1800s, including German immigrants, Margaretha and William Lackman. Their hope: to build the home ... the fortune ... the future of their dreams in a new and exciting land.

Lenexa, KS Historic Homes

Frisco Train Depot

The 1912-1913 Frisco Train Depot was relocated to the Legler Barn Museum Complex in 1987, from its long time home in old town Lenexa at the intersection of Santa Fe Trail Drive and Pflumm. The Depot features the exhibit By Way of Lenexa:

Lenexa, KS Railroad History

Santa Fe Trail Marker

This marker, set by The Daughters of the American Revolution and the state of Kansas in 1906

Lenexa, KS Historical Markers

Things to do near Lenexa, KS

Lake Of The Forest Golf Course

Course Access: PrivateHoles: 9Reserve Advance Tee Times: Yes...

Group Tours - call the CVB to schedule

If you are a group travel planner and wish to visit Merriam's tour stops, give the CVB a call to schedule today. From handmad...

Falcon Ridge Golf Course

Course Access: PublicHoles: 18Reserve Advance Tee Times: 7 days...